Peak District Climbing Trip

We have just returned from a fantastic week, climbing in the Peak District with Dame Allans School, Newcastle. The 14 students (from Y7 to Y10) were one of the most highly motivated and talented group of young people we have ever had the pleasure to work with. They were brilliant!

We met the group on Monday lunchtime at High Neb, Stanage and with the help of Nate McMullen (MIA) they warmed up for the week with 8 routes each in the VD => HVS range...not a bad start. Tuesday saw a return to Stanage, this time Crow Chin, and by the time the rain had reallyset-in at c. 3.30pm we had climbed an average of 12 routes each, again in the VD=>HVS range. the boys were now becoming increasingly confident on the 'Grit' and climbing really well.

Wednesday was wet so we made our annual trip to the Foundry. We spent 7 HOURS at the wall! Bouldering, bottom roping and Lead climbing. Routes from F5 to F6c were crushed. The two bouldering comps proved to be very competitive.

Thursday we were back out on the 'Gri't at Burbage North. In the morning the boys climbed 10 routes from VD=> E2 5c before going onto the Valley boulders for the afternoon and a High Ropes course at night. The team were proving impossible to tire-out!

With a half day on Friday the lads chose to return to the Foundry to maximise their climbing time. Most spent their 3 hours bouldering whilst others consolidated their leading. We had to almost force the team onto the bus at 1.00pm to ensure they were back in Newcastle on-time.

Many thanks to Mrs Cookson for putting together such a fantastic trip with brilliantly enthusiastic young people. We had an amazing time....can't wait for next year!